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Gadlys

Gadlys maps

Historic maps of Gadlys and the local area, hand-drawn by Ordnance Survey and Samuel Lewis.   View all Gadlys maps

Gadlys area books

Displaying 1 of 2 books about Gadlys and the local area.   View all books for this area

Memories of Gadlys

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Mid Glamorgan memories

Aberdare

The Park Lake 1937
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There used to red squirrels in the park. Stan, my husband, went to a children's home nearby, he went boating and they used to have motor bike racing there in August. He is now 68.

Sweethearts

The Park Lake 1937
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My late wife and I spent lovely times in Aberdare Park. We both lived in Aberaman, me in the Oaklands Lodge, Cardiff Road, and Margaret in Cynon Street. Every Sunday we would walk up to the park and savour the beauty of the flowers and trees. These were lovely times I will remember all my life.

Days of Grandeur

The Boot Hotel c1960
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What can I say about the Boot Hotel? This hotel and the Black Lion Hotel were the best hotels in the area. You would not be served in The Boot without a tie on. The one time I went there on a Saturday night I can remember the landlord there, quite a nice old chap, getting abuse from some yobs. I intervened and ended up on the floor, but I nailed one of them. I was invited into the lounge, thanked for my assistance and given a large brandy, good old days. This was a one off, and never happened again in my time there. All the local businessmen used to go there. I also took my fiancee there many times. I returned recently and could not get over the change. I would not go in there now if you paid me. Alas how times have changed, but memories remain.

My Family

Please can anyone remember the Toogoods that lived in Aberdare, please can you let me know, thank you.

My Mother''s Family

My grandmother and grandfather were married in Aberdare in 1912 and settled in Trecynon at 1, Cynonside, where my mother was born in 1917. She left to get married in St John's Church, Aberdare from Cynonside in 1935. My brother was baptised at Robertstown Church in 1943. My grandfather, his youngest son and daughter in law are buried in Aberdare cemetery. Every year during my childhood we would holiday in the area and last year, after 20 years, I again spent a week there reliving my youth. The area is so different since the mines have gone and everywhere is so fresh and green and although born in England this place is very special to me.

Memories

I was born in 54 Mill Street, Trecynon. As was my sister, our mother and her brothers and sitsters. A little 2 down 2 up, stone cottage. It was on the top of the hill, and we could run down "the trip" as we called it, and play there, where there were fields and a stream. Or we could walk for a few minutes to Aberdare Park, where my father was Park Keeper. He used to call into the billiard club up the street on the way home for a game, and I remember having to go in there to tell him to get home for tea! I was only 6! The local grocer, Jones's, was a few doors away from there, and opposite was a tiny little sweet shop we called 'Yuddels'. I think we were told he was a Jew, which explained the funny name! He was a small ,stout, friendly man. Of course we had rations then so sweets were very special. We went... Read more

Aberaman

The Playing Fields c1955
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Having been born and reared in Aberaman, I spent many hours in the playing fields, even before it was named King George's field.  Locally it is known as the hayfield, and even now is a source of pleasure for football and dog walkers. Sadly though, often the childrens playing area has been vandalised and it is no longer safe to 'camp' there overnight, as we once did, with a bottle of water and jam sandwiches!
In the picture given on the site, a car can be seen, driving down what was and still is, Tonllwydd.  Walking up up this path is lovely, it takes you to ' the line' an old railway track, which once carried coal to and from the local collieries, including Tower.
Anyone care to add to memories?

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